Movie Review: The Rocketeer

PLOT:

Straight from the pages of a pulp comic from a past era, The Rocketeer recreates 1930’s Hollywood, complete with gangsters, Nazi spies, and the growth of the Age of Aviation. Young pilot Cliff Secord stumbles on a top secret rocket-pack and with the help of his mechanic/mentor, Peevy, he attempts to save his girl and stop the Nazis as The Rocketeer

REVIEW:

What did I like?

Meet the Rocketeer. We all know the Marvel and DC Heroes. Those that didn’t grow up with comics are sure to have become familiar with the character through the movies, I would imagine, but there other superheroes out there that don’t come from the major comics publishers. Of course there are those that are bit more in the spotlight, such as Hellboy and Spawn, but what about those that come from the pulp serials of the 30s and 40s. Heroes like The Shadow, The Spirit, The Phantom, and of course, The Rocketeer! Everyone I’ve mention so far has had a film, with varying degrees of success and critical acclaim. The Rocketeer is perhaps the one that received the best re-introduction (out of the pulp heroes, at least). The film does a great job of introducing us to his alter ego and slowly (as time allows) developing him into the titular character. We see him fumble and fail as he learns and that endears him to us as an audience, as opposed to if he just strapped on that rocket pack and automatically knew how to use it and fight the bad guys. Now that I think about it, when I finish typing this up, I may go track down some Rocketeer comics.

Old Hollywood. I am a fan of Old Hollywood. The glitz, glamour, talent, filmmaking, and even the scandals. As this is set in the 1938 Hollywood and the antagonist is an actor, they had to get the look and feel down. The magic of old Hollywood is none more apparent than when we see Jennifer Connelly’s character in that white dinner dress! She takes us back in time to a point where stars were stars, not political advocates. As this is Jazz Appreciation Month, I must also mention the soundtrack. Lots of big band jazz, which was the norm for this era. However, many films ignore that and use other genres where the artists’ grandparents weren’t even born, yet.

Lighten up. This film was released in 1991. Back then, people were allowed to have fun. Movies and TV shows didn’t make you want to slit your wrist because they were so dark and depressing. The light tone of this film probably wouldn’t fly today, pardon the pun, but that doesn’t make this a bad film. As I always say, dark works for Batman because that is who the character is, but try making Spider-Man or the Flash dark and you ruin everything about them, as they are fun loving characters, at least in comparison to Batman, Daredevil, Moon Knight, the Punisher, etc. Granted, I do know much about the comic origins of the Rocketeer, but from what I hear, the film got the tone down pat.

What didn’t I like?

Again with the Nazis? Yes, I realize this film takes place as the Nazis were rising to power, but that doesn’t mean we have to have them as the antagonistic threat. Sure, they could have been revealed as a mysterious power behind everything, much as the film does, but it just seems like everytime a villainous threat is needed for anything set in the 30s and 40s, its Nazis…or gangsters. Here we have both, but the gangsters are reduced to lackeys until they have a moment of clarity and patriotism. Who should have been the antagonist? Maybe a rival aviation company? A bigger role for the gangsters? Just someone who isn’t a Nazi.

Wardrobe change. The Rocketeer’s “costume” consists of a brown leather jacket and pants that pilots wore during this era. My problem with this is that Cliff runs around wearing the same thing. The film moves a little fast for the characters to pick up on it, but it is quite obvious. Not like Batman disguising his voice or Superman putting on glasses and changing his posture and attitude. Cliff is only missing the helmet. At the very least, he could have changed jackets!

Sinclair. Neville Sinclair. As far as villains go, I don’t have much of an issue with Timothy Dalton’s Neville Sinclair, other than the aforementioned reliance on using Nazis. So, what’s the big deal? Well, Sinclair is obviously based on Errol Flynn. Dalton captures the image that most people have of Flynn, a suave playboy, talented swashbuckling actor, Nazi spy. The latter was a rumor until the late 80s, if I recall, when it was proven false. For me, though, I have to wonder. There is a scene where they are filming a movie and an accident happens. When the dust is cleared, Clark Gable has been stabbed. It is implied that Sinclair may have done it, but nothing comes from it. I wonder if this was a bigger part of the original story, or if it was just a throwaway scene just so they could say that they had someone who was supposed to be Clark Gable (thought it is never said that is who he is).

Final verdict:

What did I think of The Rocketeer? This is a film that I fondly remember from my youth. Being an Air Force brat, I am drawn towards films about planes and aviation, add in the superhero factor and the Old Hollywood setting and this is still a pleasant watch for me. However, this is not a film without its problems. Most of which involve the limit of technology at the time and the lack of faith in comic book properties at the time. That said, this film has gone on to create a bit of a legacy. I understand there is a Disney show based on it now and there is a rumor about plans for a ride at one of the Disney parks. All that aside, this a fun popcorn movie filled with action, comedy, thrills, and even a love story thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend you give it a shot and have some fun. It is a much needed shot of joy in a world where superheroes seem to have forgotten what that is.

4  3/4 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Avengers: Endgame

PLOT: 

After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’s actions and undo the chaos to the universe, no matter what consequences may be in store, and no matter who they face…

REVIEW:

What did I like?

Big payoff. 11 years. 22 movies. It has all been leading up to this epic confrontation between the Avengers and the Mad Titan, Thanos. Was it worth the wait? Some will say yes and some will say no. I am a member of team yes. While I would have liked a more direct confrontation with a Thanos that was more in line with the source material, I can’t complain with what we got. The stakes couldn’t have been any higher for this epic conclusion. Honestly, the MCU could end with this film and I don’t think anyone would complain.

Lighten up. With such high stakes, you would think this would be a very dark and serious film with little to no levity. In true Marvel fashion, there are plenty of moments that will make you chuckle and lighten the mood. Everything can’t be all gloom and doom, even in the face of utter destruction.

Tug on the heartstrings. I know that I am a little late with this review and the spoiler embargo and been lifted, but I still won’t put any in here, out of respect for those that have yet to watch this film, or may be reading this months or years from now and have forgotten what happened. With that said, if you are an emotional person, you might want to bring a box of tissues with you. The emotional arcs in this film regarding certain characters will surely move you. I have been referred to as a robot, due to my lack of emotion/compassion, but even I felt something for one of these characters’ storylines and how appropriately it was handled.

What didn’t I like?

Rules of time travel. There are numerous time travel myths out there. For me, I prefer the Back to the Future rules but, of course, this film took those rules and threw them out the window…Tony Stark even jokes about it with Ant-Man. It isn’t so much that this film uses different time travel rules, but more that it is a bit of a douche when mentioning the other universes that use time travel and making all the work that was put into developing said rules seem fruitless.

Girls, Girls, Girls. In the climactic battle, there is a scene where a character, who shall not be named, gather to protect them. This came out of nowhere, many of these women have had little to no interactions with each other. I know, I know…this was meant to be a reference to the A-Force from the comics, but it seemed more like a fan service moment and/or a cheap girl power attempt. No, I’m not being sexist. I just feel that if they were going to do this, at least give it some build up. There was no hint at this happening and all these women came from all over the battlefield to do this. It just felt forced.

Rescue me. In the comics, Pepper Potts is likable. In the MCU, she started out that way, but over the films, she became more of a nagging shrew. In Iron Man 3, she is given some temporary powers and outfitted in an exosuit to save the world. It was believed that was a one time thing, but lo and behold, here we see her in a suit that doesn’t even resemble her comic counterpart. On top of that, non-comic fans would be totally lost as to why she was wearing armor.

Final verdict:

Avengers: Endgame didn’t disappoint. Yes, there are some issues, like the hour or so that weighs down the middle half of the film, but overall this is a satisfying conclusion to this saga and I am looking forward to where the MCU goes in the future. I mentioned earlier that this would be a fitting end for the MCU. Not that I want it to, but how poetic would it be, with most of these characters having been created by Stan Lee to end with his death (this is his final cameo). That isn’t happening, though. Spider-Man: Far from Home is coming out this summer and following its release, we should know more about what the future holds. As far as this film goes, well, there is no reason to not see it multiple times. I also suggest watching Avengers: Infinity War beforehand to refresh your mind, though.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Shazam!

PLOT: In Philadelphia, Billy Batson is an abandoned child who is proving a nuisance to Child Services and the authorities with his stubborn search for his lost mother. However, in his latest foster home, Billy makes a new friend, Freddy, and finds himself selected by the Wizard Shazam to be his new champion. Now endowed with the ability to instantly become an adult superhero by speaking the wizard’s name, Billy gleefully explores his new powers with Freddy. However, Billy soon learns that he has a deadly enemy, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, who was previously rejected by the wizard and has accepted the power of the Seven Deadly Sins instead. Now pursued by this mad scientist for his own power as well, Billy must face up to the responsibilities of his calling while learning the power of a special magic with his true family that Sivana can never understand.

REVIEW:

What did I like?

No time to brood. In the past, we have seen so many superheroes lamenting the “curse” of the powers they have been given. Shazam does just the opposite, he embraces his powers and has fun with them. I suppose I would too if I suddenly became super strong and invincible. Still, it is refreshing to see this trend of superheroes enjoying what they have, rather than being Debby Downers.

Fun in the sun. On the topic of fun, remember when the DC Extended Universe was dark, grim, and no fun? I think it was Batman v. Superman when they decided to shift to a more fun style of film, starting with Wonder Woman. This was also aided by Zach Snyder’s departure, which may not have been for the best reasons, but has definitely been for the best. Watching Shazam ham it up for most of this film (in the comics, he is sometimes referred to as “the big cheese”), and the fact that they didn’t even try to mute the bright red costume like they did with Superman’s outfit in Man of Steel is another sign that the powers that be have decided to go in a lighter direction; finally realizing that every superhero is not Batman.

Adolescence. The biggest challenge in making this film work was getting a nearly 40 yr old Zachary Levi to act like he was a 15 yr old boy who was just given all the power in the world. Levi has a manchild quality about him naturally, so I imagine this wasn’t too big of a challenge. Watching the progression of Shazam, I couldn’t help but think that his actions are exactly what I would have done if I had been given that much power at that age. Yes, I would have gone into a strip club, given a lightning powered street performance for money, bought and tried (nasty) beer, etc. What 15 yr old boy wouldn’t have done these things?

What didn’t I like?

Tonal shift. Earlier, I mentioned how fun and lighthearted this film turned out to be. However, there are a few instances that suddenly shift the film’s tone. Murder, child abandonment, teen pregnancy…are these things you would expect to see in a film aimed at a more family oriented audience. Granted, these elements brought in some much needed conflict to film that is mostly fluff, I still felt they were a bit too heavy handed in how they were handled, particularly the stuff involving Billy and his mother.

Padding. The Shazam suit looks great and about as close to the source material as humanly possible. However, I do have a small complaint. The tone of this film and the nature of Shazam are more cartoonish in nature than all of the other superheroes we’ve seen, so his look should be a bit more cartoonish or exaggerated. Initially, I was fine with this until I started thinking. If the time comes and we see Shazam team up with Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Aquaman, the Flash, etc, pending changes to their suits he is going to look quite out of place. I say this thinking of how Captain America looked in the first Avengers and how his look has changed. I’m not saying Shazam needs to totally alter his appearance, mostly just making an observation. Also, I read the Zachary Levi packed on some muscle to play this role, but with all the padding, you can’t see the work he did.

Scum and villainy. There is still a problem in superhero movies with trying to use too many villains. With this picture we have essentially 8 in 1. The “big” bad is Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, played by Mark Strong. My only issue with him is how different from the source material he is, going so far as to use the Seven Deadly Sins as a super power. Yes, I said the Seven Deadly Sins. I equate this to Parallax in the Green Lantern movie (which also starred Mark Strong). They are just a CGI threat meant to make an exciting final fight. The focus should have been either on them or Dr, Sivana. I suggest Sivana and upon his defeat they are awakened, leading to the sequel.

Final verdict:

Shazam! is probably one of the first superhero films in recent memory that feels like it could change people’s opinion on the genre. Does it have its faults? Yes, but who goes into a superhero flick expecting to see something akin to Citizen Kane? The important thing is that this is a fun flick you can take the whole family too. I highly recommend it!

4 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Captain Marvel

 

PLOT:

After crashing an experimental aircraft, Air Force pilot Carol Danvers is discovered by the Kree and trained as a member of the elite Starforce Military under the command of her mentor Yon-Rogg. Six years later, after escaping to Earth while under attack by the Skrulls, Danvers begins to discover there’s more to her past. With help from S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury, they set out to unravel the truth.

REVIEW:

What did I like?

Sense of humor. A big controversy surrounding the film before it was even was released revolved around Brie Larson not cracking a smile in all the images we saw of her as Captain Marvel. Rest assured, this is not the case. Larson cracks jokes left and right and seems to be enjoying herself as a superhero. For me, this really works because Captain Marvel isn’t really that interesting a character. Giving her some personality was a wise decision.

Tone. Keeping on the train of thought, I was going into the mindset that this was going to be a serious, feminist-type flick. Thank goodness this wasn’t the case. Yes, there are some female empowerment moments, but these are not shoved down the audience’s throat. There is a light tone to this film that works. Also, the nostalgia factor is high for someone who came of age in the 90s. I doubt we would have had those Easter eggs had this been given a more serious tone.

Stan Lee. The great Stan Lee passed near the end of the year. Rumor is he filmed a bunch of cameos before his death, so that we won’t miss him. Actuality is his cameo in this film, Spider-Man: Into the Multiverse, and the upcoming Avengers: Endgame were his final times on film. Interesting how he plays himself in this one, reading the script to Mallrats. Also, i have to mention the beginning. Normally, when the Marvel logo music rolls we see the Marvel characters, Captain America, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Scarlet Witch, etc. This time around, though, it was all about Stan Lee, a fitting tribute to the man who created or had a hand in creating long before anyone ever thought of a Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What didn’t I like?

Nick Fury. We know Col. Nick Fury as the badass, no-nonsense head of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the man who started the Avengers initiative. Watching him as a young agent, you would never guess this, as he is more or less glorified comic relief. Realizing that the years and time take its toll and change a person, the elements of who you become are still there, and with this version of Fury, I was…and still am struggling with how this guy is going to become the Fury we all respect. Conversely, Agent Coulson, same guy we’ve known from the first Iron Man all the way to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. So, perhaps there is something else that happens to Fury that changes him, but for now I’m left scratching my head.

Oh Captain, my Captain. Marvel is banking on Captain Marvel being a big to-do in the MCU. Also, they want her to be a big selling point for girls (totally ignoring Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, Shuri, and the Dora Milaje). Apparently, she is supposed to be the most powerful being in the universe, from what I’ve been reading. I argue that Thor has more power, but that’s not point here. I give Brie Larson props for the training and all she went through for this role, but I don’t see her as Captain Marvel. I see someone more along the lines of Charlize Theron, Jessica Biel, etc. Carol Danvers has lived a life and it has made her a hard woman. Watching Larson, I couldn’t help but think of a girl playing dress-up. Having said this, while I still protest that she does not have the right body type to play Wonder Woman, I have come around on Gal Gadot. Perhaps the same will happen with Brie Larson.

Kree-Skull war. The war between the Kree and Skrull is such a big event in the comics that i find it strange that it was crammed into just this one film. Surely we’ll be getting more, right? If not, then surely there are other stories that could have served to give us Danvers’ origin, right? As it stands, we have been introduced to the Kree in Guardians of the Galaxy and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the latter of which also has mentioned Skrulls (I can’t recall if any actually appeared, though). So, general audiences are pretty much aware of these two species in the MCU. Hopefully, this was just the beginning, though. Who knows, perhaps the Kree-Skrull war is where the MCU will be heading after Thanos’ defeat.

Final verdict.

Captain Marvel defied my expectation. I have never been excited for this film because of the blandness of the character and the way everyone has been using her as a feminist icon, for the sole purpose of her being a female superhero. That being said, other than having to leave the theater very early on with a stomach issue, I rather enjoyed myself. This isn’t the greatest entry in the MCU, but it is far from the worst. I’m probably going to give this another go, but as it stand in my head right now, it is most assuredly worth your time.

4 out of 5 stars